Introduction
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra marks its debut in the premium outdoor fitness watch market, but how does it compare to established competitors like Garmin and the Apple Watch Ultra? Here’s an in-depth look at the Galaxy Watch Ultra, evaluating its features, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics and Comfort
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is visually appealing but not as distinctive as the Apple Watch Ultra. With its 47-mm titanium case and sapphire glass face, it’s slightly smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra’s 49-mm case. The design is sleek, echoing high-end Garmin and Coros watches. It’s rated to withstand up to 100 meters of water pressure, elevations up to 9,000 meters, and temperatures up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
Durability
Despite not testing it in extreme conditions like climbing a Colorado 14er, the Galaxy Watch Ultra performed well in over 100-degree Fahrenheit heat. Its robust build quality ensures it can handle tough outdoor conditions.
Performance and Features
Battery Life
Battery life is a significant concern. The Galaxy Watch Ultra lasts just over two days on a single charge, which is shorter than desired for extended outdoor adventures. With Power Saving mode, it can stretch to three to five days. Frequent recharging might be necessary for extended trips.
BioActive Sensor and Health Metrics
Samsung’s new BioActive sensor improves heart rate accuracy and other health metrics. In tests, its readings were consistent with those from an Oura ring. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also features an AGEs index, which measures advanced glycation end products to predict diabetes and stroke risks, although this is less relevant compared to traditional blood tests.
Comparison with Competitors
Apple Watch Ultra
In the battle of premium outdoor watches, the Apple Watch Ultra currently leads. Its design is more visually distinctive, and its software features, like Training Load and diving modes, are superior. The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s design and features mimic Apple’s in some ways, including similar buttons and gestures.
Garmin Watches
Garmin watches have long been established in the outdoor fitness segment. The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s features and performance are competitive but not yet on par with Garmin’s long-standing offerings. Garmin’s experience in outdoor fitness tracking gives them a lead in some aspects.
Fitness and Tracking Capabilities
Sleep Tracking
Samsung’s sleep tracking, inspired by Fitbit, assigns a sleep animal to help interpret your sleep patterns. This feature was surprisingly accurate in reflecting my real-life sleep disturbances caused by a new puppy.
GPS and Sports Metrics
The Galaxy Watch Ultra includes dual-band GPS for enhanced accuracy. It effectively tracks various activities like running, climbing, and hiking. Although some metrics are more challenging to access compared to competitors, it provides valuable data like cadence and vertical oscillation.
Navigation and Additional Features
The watch includes basic navigation options such as a compass and Track Back. It lacks some sports modes present in the Apple Watch Ultra, like scuba diving, but does include features like probable water loss calculation.
Integration and Usability
Compatibility
Switching from an iPhone 14 to a Samsung Galaxy S23+, I found that Samsung watches aren’t as seamless to use compared to Apple Watches. Features and integrations can be less intuitive, especially for users not on Samsung phones.
Advanced Metrics
The Galaxy Watch Ultra measures FTP for cyclists, but unlike the Apple Watch Ultra, it doesn’t turn the phone into a bike computer. Future updates could enhance these features, making it more competitive.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a well-designed, capable outdoor fitness watch. While it doesn’t fully match the Apple Watch Ultra or Garmin’s offerings, it’s a strong option for Android users interested in a high-quality fitness tracker. With ongoing updates and improvements, Samsung’s latest watch holds promise for becoming a leading choice in the outdoor fitness segment.
